Unilateral superior condylar neck fracture with dislocation in a child treated with an acrylic splint in the upper arch for functional repositioning of the mandible.

BACKGROUND

To present the outcomes for a case of unilateral mandibular subcondylar fracture with dislocation in an 11-year-old female treated with an acrylic splint for functional repositioning of the mandible.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A splint was placed in the upper arch to restore the functional repositioning of the mandible. The splint's height was increased up to 5.5 mm on the side of the fracture to stimulate growth on the deficient side. To correct the mandibular asymmetry, a construction bite was made by 4 mm advancing. The total treatment time was 16 months. Long-term five-year follow up showed complete healing. A portion of the ramus appeared lateral with respect to the condylar head, whereas the mandibular deviation to the right side was fully corrected.

CONCLUSION

Conservative treatment may be an appropriate method for children in select cases, as they have an increased potential for spontaneous regeneration.